AK Steel starts layoffs; hundreds impacted

ASHLAND, Ky. (WSAZ) — Nearly 600 people are being laid off at AK Steel, starting this weekend, according to the United Steel Workers Local 1865.

The layoffs were announced in October. At the time they issued the WARN notices, the company said it was a result of challenging domesticmarket conditions. 733 were expected to be impacted.

“We are taking this necessary step due to the onslaught of what we believe are unfairly traded imports of carbon steel that have been flooding our shores. These imports have substantially reduced order intake rates, production rates, shipment volumes and selling prices,” said James L. Wainscott, Chairman, President and CEO of AK Steel. “We will continue to closely monitor market conditions and run our overall operations as efficiently as possible to continue to meet our customers’ needs.”

Union President Scott Conley tells WSAZ 599 workers will be laid off.

Starting Thursday, workers are being notified of the layoffs.

The first round of layoffs will impact 250-280 people.

Conley tells WSAZ the layoffs impact several departments.

No word at this time of the layoffs are temporary or permanent. Conley says they are being called temporary, but a call back date has not been issued.

At the time the WARN notices were issued, the company said the layoffs could last six months